After two friendlies in March, Southgate said that „19 or 20” of his squad had been decided upon, but midfielders Adam Lallana, Jonjo Shelvey and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, along with young Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, are among those in contention for the fringe places.

BBC Sport ‚announce’ superstar World Cup signings

Those chosen will meet up on Monday – apart from players involved in the FA Cup and Champions League finals.

England could have chosen to name a larger provisional squad – up to 30 – before trimming down to 23 in time for Fifa’s deadline of 4 June but former midfielder Frank Lampard believes Southgate’s approach is the right one.

England’s key World Cup dates

2 June

v Nigeria (friendly)

7 June

v Costa Rica (friendly)

12 June

Squad leaves for Russia

18 June

v Tunisia (opening group game)

24 June

v Panama (second group game)

28 June

v Belgium (final group game)

„Gareth has chosen very well in terms of how he is going to do it,” he said. „It’s a sensitive moment, a lot of players will be hoping to get into that squad. The sooner you get to that point the better.

„Choose the squad, have back-up and let those players go on holiday and know whether they’re in or they’re out. It’s better for everyone. It’ll help them focus.”

Under Roy Hodgson, England were eliminated at the group stage of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and lost to last-16 opponents Iceland at Euro 2016 in France.

England picked four uncapped players in a 27-man squad to face the Netherlands and Italy in March.